Fun-filled Redsfest set to kick off Friday

Fun-filled Redsfest set to kick off Friday

CINCINNATI -- Final preparations are in full swing as the 2013 edition of Redsfest is almost here.

Called FOX Sports Ohio Redsfest, presented by PNC Bank, it will take place at the Duke Energy Convention Center on Friday from 3-10:30 p.m. ET and Saturday from 11 a.m.-6:30 p.m.

Tickets are on sale at Reds.com/Redsfest, with two-day tickets that cost $25 for adults and $12 for kids ages 12 and under. One-day tickets are $17 for adults and $7 for kids. Children ages 3 and under are admitted free.

An event that has grown in size each year, Redsfest covers more than 300,000 square feet of space at the convention center. Activities include autograph and photo booths with current and former Reds players, interactive games for fans of all ages, game-used and authentic memorabilia and more.

Once again, the third floor will be open for the Reds Heads Fun Zone, with 20,000 square feet dedicated to kids activities that include bounce houses, trampolines, photos with Santa Claus, players reading to children, animals from the Cincinnati Zoo and live music.

The first 12,000 fans in attendance each day will receive a free Reds winter scarf and drawstring backpack. With each paid two-day Redsfest admission, fans also will receive a voucher good for one free view-level ticket to any April home game, including Opening Night on April 2.

More than 70 current and former Reds players, coaches and broadcasters are scheduled to appear. The current stars attending include Joey Votto, Jay Bruce, Johnny Cueto, Aroldis Chapman, Todd Frazier, Billy Hamilton and new manager Bryan Price.

Among the activities returning to the schedule is the eighth annual Reds Community Fund celebrity Texas Hold 'em poker tournament, the Reds Connect Zone and social media area, the hot stove reports, kids Q&A's with players and game shows featuring Reds players.

On Friday night, the Reds will debut new 2014 camouflage and St. Patrick's Day uniforms.

All proceeds from Redsfest benefit the Reds Community Fund. For more information and the full itinerary of events this weekend, go to Reds.com/Redsfest.

Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.